Nthengwe launches third book on the new era of work

As the challenges of the gig economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) threaten to swallow assorted workers whole, activist, author and entrepreneur Ndiilokelwa Nthengwe is looking to the future.

Having established ‘Autono-Me’, a work facilitator and networking platform, in 2021, the multitalented young author recently launched their third book, ‘Autono-Me: A New Era of Work’. The book digs into the nature, history and future of work in a world where technology can make or break us.

At the book’s glitzy launch at Windhoek Sky Restaurant on Saturday, the fourth floor perch, overlooking the bright lights of the city centre mirror Nthengwe’s mood.

They are on top of the world.

While book launches trend towards a particular solemnity, Nthengwe has invited guests to dress for their dream job with a touch of indigo sparkle, the colour of their book. The book cover beams from screens on either side of a stage which is eventually opened by Big Brother Msanzi star, actor Taki Muthige.

Before the event gets into the book’s ideology, there is a programme of appreciation punctuated by the amiable Muthige. Featuring DJ Dreas on the decks, a roast by Axarob, a rising comedy star, insights from Autono-Me’s software developer, Tuli Amakali, as well as words from the book’s contributors and creatives, the matter and material of the book is delayed for a tad longer than what seems necessary.

It’s a valuable introduction to talent but the presentation would have benefited from swapping these segments around and having Nthengwe begin with the big idea.

Nevertheless, by the time the author takes the stage, everyone is suitably dazzled, buoyed by a crisp complimentary glass of white wine. The applause is loud.

Nthengwe teases a twerk on the stairs and we ultimately get down to business.

The business is ‘Autono-Me’, which Nthengwe explains was inspired by sources as diverse as butchery workers at a Rondebosch Pick ‘n Pay and author Yuval Noah Harari’s ‘Homo Deus’.

“He talks about how, in the future, we will not only be rendered unemployed but unemployable because of the way that automation is taking place, artificial intelligence and the 4IR.”

How Autono-Me works is akin to platforms such as Airbnb. The site, hosted at www.autonome.app, takes its name from its grounding principle which is “the autonomy to choose” your work and working hours while diversifying your portfolio.

“A company posts vacancies on the platform and it will show how much money someone will be earning and when the job actually ends. It’s short term work. So, as soon as you’re done with your work, you get paid through the system,” says Nthengwe in response to an audience question.

In the background, Autono-Me will have vetted and verified the talent on the platform, so companies and employers have a pool of reliable and skilled workers to choose from across various industries.

While similar international companies already exist, think Indeed, the sell is that Autono-Me is local and, perhaps, that local workers can actually receive payments.

Remote and international work can be a challenge for Namibians, as the country does not currently have access to payment platforms such as PayPal.

With regard to the book, Nthengwe reads from three chapters. The author additionally previews the text that aims to explore why platforms such as Autono-Me need to exist in African countries like Namibia, given colonial history and its exploitative labour structures, deceptive neo-liberalism, extractive capitalism, the challenges of tech start-ups on the continent and 4IR.

“I believe strongly in the inherent dignity of everyone. Autono-Me was built on this philosophy. Everyone must be able to regain their dignity by having the autonomy to traverse different industries, get paid on time, earn from multiple streams and grow their skills,” says Nthengwe, ahead of a showstopping closing performance by rapper, Lioness.

“When I saw that vision, when I thought that this is a platform that can be built, I thought maybe one day we will be the Steve Jobs and the Bill Gates of our own economies in Africa.”

– martha@namibian.com.na ; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com